Bayern chief expects ‘hell’ in Madrid

Bayern Munich Franck Ribery celebrates after scoring against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

Munich, Germany – Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said he expects Wednesday's Champions League semi-final return leg at Real Madrid to be like a trip to 'hell'.

Bayern hold a slender 2-1 lead from Tuesday's first-leg in Munich after Germany striker Mario Gomez scored the winner in the 90th minute after Real midfielder Mesut Ozil had earlier scored what could prove to be a crucial away goal.

“We have great respect for Real, but no fear, even if we are expecting hell in the Bernabeu stadium,” Rummenigge told SID, an AFP subsidiary.

“The last-minute goal has given us a small chance, but it will be incredibly difficult.

“We have to concentrate fully and put a tight performance in defence.”

Rummenigge says Bayern must not try just to defend against Real and must do all they can to score an early goal.

“We have to try and put pinpricks in their defence to get a goal,” he said.

“Sitting back and defending won't achieve anything against such a strong attacking side.”

Bayern fans are dreaming of contesting the Champions League final at their own Allianz Arena in Munich on May 19 against either Chelsea or Barcelona and the trophy has already arrived in the Bavarian city.

“Of course it is our big dream to reach the home final,” said Rummenigge.

“We'll do everything we can to make the dream come true.

“It would be fantastic, historically no team has reached the final in their own stadium.”

No team has won the Champions League title in their own stadium, but Inter Milan were the last team to lift the European Cup at their stadium when they beat Benfica 1-0 at their own San Siro stadium 1965.– Sapa-AFP